SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PARSNIP – WHEN THE TREE BEARS FRUIT

When The Tree Bears Fruit is the first full-length album by Melbourne four-piece Parsnip. The record’s title, inspired by the ideas of guru and poet Sri Chinmoy, refers to the idea that a tree will grow fruit and it will be offered for anyone and everyone to share in. Unfortunately this fruit isn’t quite ripe yet.

The band shows some brilliance in their arrangements with a strong bassline in most of the songs. The first single “Lift Off” brings great surf sensibilities to the forefront and provide a Brian Wilson-like vibe. The lyrics are well written and are somewhat juxtaposed to the musical style.

Unfortunately where the album fails to stand are the vocals. Lead singer Paris Richens’ voice is manageable on its own, but when coupled with the other members, they fail to harmonize. Purposeful or not, the finished product comes off as more of a children’s choir rather than a polished product.

The album is whimsical and full of energy but resembles a nursery rhyme. The hope is that they continue to mature in sound and production for their next material.

A native to Toronto, Mark has spent his time on this earth swaying to decades of live music in dark and dirty venues. When not writing or collecting a massive amount of vinyl, he enjoys travelling and photography. His hobbies are tolerated by his lovely, patient wife and beautiful daughter.